Turn Up Your Legacy: Leadership That Stands the Test of Time

Great leaders, just like legendary rockstars, don’t just make noise—they make an impact that echoes long after they’ve left the stage. Whether in business, music, or life, the most influential figures turn up the volume on their vision, values, and contributions to create something that lasts.

“Legacy is not leaving something for people. It’s leaving something in people.” – Peter Strople

Define Your Leadership Legacy

Becoming a leader who stands the test of the time requires a proactive approach. What kind of leader do you want to be?

Imagine it’s 30+ years in the future. You are sitting back at your retirement party as employees you’ve worked with over the years toast to you. What are they saying? Are they spouting off canned, generic praise because it would be rude to speak the truth, or are they filled with genuine gratitude for the impact you’ve had on their careers and lives? Did you inspire them? Help them grow? Influence them in a positive way and help them become the best versions of themselves?

What kind of leader were you?

What about the company you led or the brand you created? Did you make a positive impact in the world? Did your products or services make a difference in the way people live? Did you protect the environment, stand up for a cause, or create opportunities for good?

Take some time to do this exercise and once you’ve determined what you want your legacy to be, work backwards to determine the type of leader you need to become.

Take Bold Action and Embrace Innovation

Bruce Springsteen once said, “When it comes to luck, you make your own.”

Strong leaders aren’t afraid to step out of their comfort zone, speak up when others stay silent, or take responsibility for the choices and decisions they have made.

When you take bold action, you inspire your team members to take risks and show them you believe in their abilities. You show the industry you are a force to be reckoned with, and instill trust in your customers that you have the remedy for what ails them.

In 2007, Steve Jobs took bold action by betting on the iPhone. Until then, a mobile phone with no physical keyboard was unheard of. With Jobs at the helm, Apple launched a revolutionary technology… a touchscreen device. Communication, entertainment, and business were forever changed.

What does bold action look like in your business? How can you innovate your products/services and the with them, the industry?

Invest in the Next Generation

You didn’t get to where you are alone. A teacher believed in you. A coach inspired you. A boss mentored you. You are a leader because of all the people in your life who saw greatness in you, and encourage you to grow.

A true leadership legacy isn’t just about what you achieve – it’s about who you empower. To reach your leadership potential, you must invest in developing others so your impact continues long after you’ve gone.

You can invest in the next generation by:

• Mentoring – Take on mentees and share what have you learned on your leadership journey.
• Creating Opportunities – Provide opportunities and platforms for your team members (or those outside your organization) to grow and step into leadership roles.
• Encouraging – Keep your eyes open for emerging talent. When you see it, do everything in your power to nurture that talent and support those individuals as they evolve.

Who in your organization has the potential to grow with your encouragement?

Conclusion

The best leaders don’t wait for a legacy to form—they actively build it. Define your purpose, take bold action, embrace change, and invest in others. Because in the end, leadership isn’t about the position you hold—it’s about the impact you leave behind.

So, how will you turn it up and make your mark?

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